True or False: A prescriber may not condition availability of services on the requirement to purchase contact lenses from the prescriber.

The statement is true. Under California law, prescribers of contact lenses are prohibited from conditioning the availability of their services on the requirement that patients must purchase contact lenses directly from them. This regulation is in place to ensure patient autonomy and promote competition in the market.

Patients have the right to receive their prescriptions and choose where they want to fulfill them, without being pressured or coerced into purchasing from a specific provider. This consumer protection measure supports transparency and fair practice within the optometry profession. It allows patients to explore various options for purchasing contact lenses, which can lead to better pricing and selection.

While some exceptions or conditions may apply under specific circumstances, generally, the prescriber must provide the lens prescription to the patient and cannot impose restrictions related to the source of sale. This ensures that patients can make informed decisions regarding their eye care needs.